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The Best Phone Deals This Week*
*Deals are selected by our commerce team
AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon all advertise 5G as faster, stronger, and better—and you need a 5G phone to get on board.
In this roundup, we picked our favorite 5G phones. Generally, you should expect to get 5G with any new phone that costs about $200 and up, but the ones here are the cream of the crop. Read on for our top picks, followed by everything you need to know about buying a 5G phone.
Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max
Best iPhone for Power Users
Why We Picked It
The Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max is one of the most capable phones in the market from a wireless perspective. It includes C-band, sub-6GHz, and mmWave 5G spectrum, and it works well on all the major and minor US carriers, as well as wireless networks abroad. Moreover, it offers top LTE 4G coverage for areas where 5G isn’t available. It also has a fantastic screen, outstanding battery life, the best cameras on an iPhone, and slick software.
Who Is It For?
If you need the most capable 5G phone in the market—and an overall good phone—the iPhone 15 Pro Max is the device you need.
PROS
- Fast, smooth performance
- Excellent cameras
- Long battery life
- Useful Action button
- USB-C connectivity opens up new features
- Lighter than previous Pro Max
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Operating System | iOS 17 |
| CPU | Apple A17 Pro |
| Dimensions | 6.29 by 3.02 by 0.32 inches |
| Screen Size | 6.7 inches |
| Screen Resolution | 2,796 by 1,290 pixels |
| Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing) | 48MP/12MP/12MP;12MP |
| Battery Life (As Tested) | 20 hours, 15 minutes |
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Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
Best for Artists and Note-Takers
Why We Picked It
The Galaxy S24 Ultra offers incredible 5G performance across all the major carriers’ most important bands. Other standout features include Galaxy AI tools, a 5x optical zoom camera, a built-in S Pen stylus, excellent battery life, and class-leading performance.
Who It’s For
If you need a powerful zoom camera and/or like the idea of a stylus for drawing or taking notes, the S24 Ultra is the phone to get from Samsung’s current lineup. Its excellent 5G performance means you can get a signal wherever you travel, while its large screen makes watching movies enjoyable.
PROS
- Speedy performance
- Beautiful screen
- Terrific cameras
- Useful AI features
- Comes with S Pen stylus
- Long support commitment
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Android 14 |
| CPU | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy |
| Dimensions | 6.40 by 3.11 by 0.34 Inches |
| Screen Size | 6.8 inches |
| Screen Resolution | 3,120 by 1,440 pixels |
| Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing) | 200MP, 12MP, 10MP, 50MP; 12MP |
| Battery Life (As Tested) | 14 hours, 10 minutes |
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Google Pixel 7a
Best Mid-Range Android Phone
Why We Picked It
Google’s software is the choice of the techno-elite for its speed, elegance, and simplicity. The Pixel 7a brings you that software, along with years of Android updates before anyone else gets them, at an affordable price with solid 5G performance along for the ride.
Who It’s For
Folks whose taste outpaces their budget. Google’s Pixel phones aren’t the best-selling Android models, but many people still prefer these phones because of their clean software and capable cameras. The 7a is the best phone you can get from the price and it works on nearly every 5G network available.
PROS
- Solid performance
- Above-average cameras
- Unique design
- Wireless charging
CONS
- Wi-Fi disconnection issue in testing
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Android 13 |
| CPU | Google Tensor G2 |
| Dimensions | 5.98 by 2.87 by 0.35 inches |
| Screen Size | 6.1 inches |
| Screen Resolution | 2,400 by 1,080 pixels |
| Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing) | 64MP, 13MP; 13MP |
| Battery Life (As Tested) | 13 hours, 25 minutes |
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Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5
Best Folding Phone
Why We Picked It
The Samsung Galazy Z Fold 5 may be a pricey smartphone but it is one of the most capable on the market. It’s book-style folding form factor gives you a large 7.8-inch interior screen for multitasking with up to three apps at a time. It also supports the S Pen stylus and Samsung’s DeX software for desktop-like productivity. Moreover, it’s a great 5G smartphone.
Who It’s For
The Z Fold 5 is for power users who need a device that can work as hard as they do and connect to the world’s fastest networks.
PROS
- Incredibly versatile
- Excellent productivity software
- Beautiful screens
- Slimmer, lighter design than previous generation
CONS
- Pricey
- Odd speaker placement
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Android 13 |
| CPU | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy |
| Dimensions | 6.10 by 5.11 by 0.24 inches |
| Screen Size | 7.6 inches |
| Screen Resolution | 2,176 by 1,812 pixels |
| Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing) | 50MP, 12MP, 10MP; 10MP; 4MP |
| Battery Life (As Tested) | 11 hours, 20 minutes |
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Google Pixel 8
Best Android for Most People
Why We Picked It
The $699 Google Pixel 8 is an exciting and affordable option thanks to its AI-driven feature set, excellent battery life, highly capable cameras, and long-term support committment from Google. The phone covers all the major 5G bands for US buyers and is available unlocked and via carriers. It’s a strong contender for those looking to save a couple hundred bucks.
Who It’s For
The Pixel 8 may not have all the features of its larger sibling, the 8 Pro, but it has all the feaures that matter for a much lower price and top performance across the board.
PROS
- Competitively priced
- Advanced AI features
- Terrific cameras
- Compact
- Excellent build quality
CONS
- Unimpressive battery life
- No telephoto camera
- Storage capped at 256GB
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Android 14 |
| CPU | Google Tensor G3 |
| Dimensions | 5.93 by 2.79 by 0.35 inches |
| Screen Size | 6.2 inches |
| Screen Resolution | 2,400 by 1,080 pixels |
| Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing) | 50MP / 12MP / 10.5MP |
| Battery Life (As Tested) | 10 hours, 20 minutes |
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Samsung Galaxy A15 5G
Best Affordable Android Phone
Why We Picked It
The Samsung Galaxy A15 5G is one of the cheapest ways to access 5G networks. It supports the right 5G bands for the US and turns in solid performance as an affordable, everyday device. We particularly like the large screen, long battery life, and capable cameras.
Who It’s For
The A15 5G is for people who want the latest in connectivity but need to stick to a budget.
PROS
- Affordable
- Long battery life
- Competent cameras
- Excellent software upgrade policy
CONS
- No IP rating
- Plastic build
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Android 14 |
| CPU | Mediatek 6835 |
| Dimensions | 6.30 by 3.02 by 0.33 inches |
| Screen Size | 6.5 inches |
| Screen Resolution | 2,340 by 1,080 pixels |
| Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing) | 50MP, 5MP, 2MP; 13MP |
| Battery Life (As Tested) | 14 hours, 3 minutes |
Learn More
Apple iPhone 15
Best iPhone for Most People
Why We Picked It
The Apple iPhone 15 includes a great blend of features that should make most people happy. It’s got a refined design, a brighter display, a quicker processor, improved cameras, and solid battery life all wrapped up in a piece of hardware that’s easy to hold and use. And, critically, Apple didn’t skimp on the 5G. It’s just as 5G-capable as the more expensive Pro line, including mmWave support.
Who It’s For
This is the iPhone for everyone. It strikes a good balance of capabilities, usability, connectivity, and price.
PROS
- Good size and weight
- Solid performance
- Capable cameras
- USB-C port
- Dynamic Island
CONS
- No always-on display
- No telephoto camera
- Shorter battery life than other iPhones
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Operating System | iOS 17 |
| CPU | Apple A16 Bionic |
| Dimensions | 5.81 by 2.81 by 0.31 inches |
| Screen Size | 6.1 inches |
| Screen Resolution | 2,556 by 1,179 pixels |
| Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing) | 48MP / 12MP / 12MP |
| Battery Life (As Tested) | 16 hours, 15 minutes |
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Google Pixel 8 Pro
Best for Photographers
Why We Picked It
The Google Pixel 8 Pro is a lot like the Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max. It has a full range of support for 5G and 4G networks, advanced Wi-Fi and GPS, and excellent Bluetooth. It also has fantastic software, the best mobile cameras, decent battery life, and delightful AI-assisted extras.
Who It’s For
The Google Pixel 8 Pro is for people who want the best possible Android phone with 5G on board at a fair price.
PROS
- Exclusive Assistant features
- AI-assisted photo and video editing
- Seven years of software support
- Super-bright display
- Excellent build quality
CONS
- Shorter battery life than predecessor
- Inconsistent Wi-Fi
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Android 14 |
| CPU | Google Tensor G3 |
| Dimensions | 6.40 by 3.01 by 0.35 inches |
| Screen Size | 6.7 inches |
| Screen Resolution | 2,992 by 1,344 pixels |
| Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing) | 50MP / 48MP / 48MP / 10.5MP |
| Battery Life (As Tested) | 9 hours, 5 minutes |
Learn More
Samsung Galaxy S24
Best Small Android Flagship
Why We Picked It
You don’t have many choices for small, premium Android phones. The Galaxy S24 isn’t actually a small phone, but it’s as small as you can get and still enjoy class-leading performance. Its excellent 5G reception is similar to its larger stablemates and it has all the same Galaxy AI features as well.
Who It’s For
If you want a smaller Android phone but don’t want to compromise on speed or the quality of your 5G reception, get the Galaxy S24.
PROS
- Compact, premium build
- Flagship performance
- Useful AI features
- Seven-year software support commitment
CONS
- Limited RAM and storage offerings
- Can get warm while gaming
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Android 14 |
| CPU | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy |
| Dimensions | 5.79 by 2.78 by 0.30 inches |
| Screen Size | 6.2 inches |
| Screen Resolution | 2,340 by 1,080 pixels |
| Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing) | 50MP, 12MP, 10MP; 12MP |
| Battery Life (As Tested) | 13 hours, 5 minutes |
Learn More
OnePlus 12
Best Alternative to Google and Samsung
Why We Picked It
OnePlus’ Android phones take a different tack than those from Google, Motorola, and Samsung. The company has a distinct design language and genuinely helpful software that differentiates itself from run-of-the-mill Android. Its latest flagship, the OnePlus 12, has killer specs, including a top screen, a leading processor, long battery life, and capable cameras.
Who It’s For
If phones from Google and Samsung aren’t your thing, the OnePlus 12 is a worthwhile alternative and covers all the 5G bands you need for reliable service.
PROS
- Bright, crisp display
- Excellent battery life
- Rapid wired and wireless charging
- Powerful processor
CONS
- Lacks mmWave 5G
- Not as waterproof as competing phones
- No special AI features
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Android 14 |
| CPU | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 |
| Dimensions | 6.47 by 2.98 by .36 inches |
| Screen Size | 6.82 inches |
| Screen Resolution | 3,168 by 1,440 pixels |
| Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing) | 64MP, 50MP, 48MP; 32MP |
| Battery Life (As Tested) | 18 hours, 10 minutes |
Learn More
Buying Guide: The Best 5G Phones for 2024
The Best Phones of the Year
Do You Need a 5G Phone in 2024?
The 5G situation in the US is confusing right now, but there’s one way to understand things clearly. For 5G to be much faster than 4G, it needs to run on wider channels. Think of them as broader lanes on the information superhighway.
Even without those channels, 5G still helps carriers by increasing their capacity to serve more users with bigger service plans. But if you want performance, you need those wider channels.
Google Pixel 8 (Credit: Eric Zeman)
Right now, of the heavily promoted forms of US 5G, T-Mobile’s mid-band “UC” network, Verizon’s “UW” mid- and high-band network, and AT&T’s “5G+” offer those wider channels. The other forms of 5G in the US are reusing 4G channel sizes, which give them 4G-like performance.
In general, if you see just “5G” on your phone in the US, it’s going to feel like 4G. If you see “5G UC,” “5G UW” or “5G+,” you should experience better speeds.
Apple iPhone 15 (Credit: Eric Zeman)
Expect to see continually improving mid-band coverage on AT&T and Verizon as they roll out C-band and 3.45GHz. Of course, your phone also needs to support C-band for you to see a benefit, a spec we cover in our in-depth reviews of each handset on this list. At this point, the three carriers have made significant progress in completing their C-band rollouts.
What Is 5G?
All the phones Verizon sells support its high-band mmWave network, but not all unlocked 5G phones do. If you’re looking for an unlocked 5G phone that supports all the bands, consider the Google Pixel line, the latest iPhone, or the Samsung Galaxy S and Z families.
If you’re with T-Mobile, almost any current phone supports its 5G network.
Recommended by Our Editors
Between T-Mobile’s 5G expansion and the rollout of C-band coverage on AT&T and Verizon, the situation is always changing. Make sure to check back often for all the details on the phones that can take advantage of these advancements.
Sascha Segan and Dave LeClair contributed to this story.
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